Donatella Cooks...and looks great doing it!

On Friday, I had the pleasure of attending another book signing at Books & Books in Coral Gables, this time with Donatella Arpaia, chef, restaurateur and Iron Chef America judge. She was there to discuss her new book, Donatella Cooks. A brilliant take on making simple foods, glamorous. I immediately dug right in, and was thrilled at how well written her book is, how many useful tips there are, how many great stories there are and how many pictures there are..in color! (A pet peeve of mine, there has to be photos!) Even through word, Donatella comes through as smart, witty and approachable. Then, she came in, and I found all these things are in fact, true. She is sweet, approachable, and stunning in her 4" heels. ( I definitely have show envy!)

Here she is getting ready to speak:

Just like in her book, during her presentation she gave tips:

Shared recipes:

Even shared treats with the audience!

Then she had a question/answer session:

She was so gracious, engaging and witty. She definitely makes you feel like she is one of your girlfriends and you are in your living room chatting.

When it was over, she was ready, sharpie in hand, to sign her cookbook:

So sweet!

She even posed for photos!

Gorgeous!

I am still making my way through the cookbook, reading every word, and flagging the recipes I want to try. First up, the Donatellas Popcorn!

PS If you are craving a taste of Donatalla's deliciousness in person, you can now enjoy it outside of New York, right here in Miami, at Eos. Check out the menu here. I know I can't wait to try!

Welcome to Miami Donatella!

Cat Cora Book Signing

At the last minute today, I decided to take the trek down to Coral Gables to see Iron Chef Cat Cora at a demo/book signing for her new book, Cat Cora's Classics with a Twist,

and boy am I glad I did! After a bumpy start to the evening (A/C in my car went out halfway through the drive down, then I get to the bookstore and their power was out, so no A/C there either), it turned out to be a lovely evening. A had a nice glass of wine while waiting for the bookstore get everything set up, and browsing the Books & Books store. Then it was time for Cat to get started. First did a little intro to the book:

(Don't know if you can tell, but she is SUPER tiny!)

Then she did a little food demo and question and answer session:

Then it was time for the book signing. She was so gracious and spoke to everyone who came:

Then it was my turn!!!!!

All in all a very fun evening. I will definitely go back next time they have a chef book signing. OK, now, what to make from the book first???